Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked Orzo Pasta is an easy, one-dish meal that doesn’t require pre-cooking the pasta. The addition of spinach and ricotta cheese makes it both nutritious and creamy, while the mozzarella adds a gooey, melted texture. This dish is perfect for those who want a flavorful pasta dish with minimal effort. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to be vegan or gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 lb orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups water
- 24 oz pasta sauce (your favorite brand)
- 5 oz fresh spinach (baby spinach recommended)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole-milk)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (torn into pieces)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, combine the uncooked orzo pasta, pasta sauce, and water. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the spinach and mix it in with the pasta and sauce.
- Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the mixture, but do not mix it in completely. The ricotta will create pockets of creamy cheese when baked.
- Tear the fresh mozzarella into 1-inch pieces and scatter them over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and then serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Vegan: Use vegan ricotta and vegan mozzarella for a dairy-free version of this dish.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute regular orzo with gluten-free orzo for a gluten-free option.
- Add protein: For added protein, include cooked chicken, sausage, or beans.
- Other vegetables: You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrition.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You may need to add a little extra sauce if it’s too dry.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, if you don’t have orzo, you can use another small pasta like ditalini or small shells.
Do I need to cook the orzo before baking?
No, the orzo is baked directly in the sauce, so there’s no need to pre-cook it.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of baking and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the dish to avoid excess moisture.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce before baking for a little heat.
Can I use store-bought pasta sauce?
Yes, using store-bought pasta sauce makes this recipe even quicker. Just make sure it’s a high-quality sauce for the best flavor.
How do I make this dish more cheesy?
Add more mozzarella on top before baking or mix in some parmesan cheese for extra cheesy goodness.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this baked orzo pasta is great for meal prep. Store it in individual portions in airtight containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze this dish before or after baking. Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you can add cooked chicken, sausage, or even ground beef to make it a heartier meal.
Conclusion
Baked Orzo Pasta is a wonderfully easy, one-pan dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you enjoy it as a vegetarian meal or add protein, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe for busy days. The combination of creamy ricotta, fresh mozzarella, and savory pasta sauce makes this dish irresistible, and it’s perfect for both family dinners and meal prepping.
Print
Baked Orzo Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Orzo Pasta is a simple, comforting, and flavorful one-dish meal. The orzo cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the rich flavors, while spinach and creamy ricotta add depth. Topped with gooey mozzarella, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, and it can easily be made vegan or gluten-free, making it adaptable for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 lb orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups water
- 24 oz pasta sauce (your favorite brand)
- 5 oz fresh spinach (baby spinach recommended)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole-milk)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (torn into pieces)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, combine uncooked orzo pasta, pasta sauce, and water. Stir until well mixed.
- Add spinach and mix it in with the pasta and sauce.
- Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the mixture (do not mix it in completely). The ricotta will create creamy pockets when baked.
- Tear fresh mozzarella into 1-inch pieces and scatter them on top.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and then serve.
Notes
- Vegan: Use vegan ricotta and mozzarella for a dairy-free version.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute regular orzo with gluten-free orzo for a gluten-free option.
- Add Protein: Add cooked chicken, sausage, or beans for extra protein.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Vegetarian, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, Vegetarian
